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48 MICROSCOPIC FUXGI.
is barely possible for liitn ever to liave beard tbe
ergot of grain called by tbe name of mildew.
How long this disease bas been known^ is an
unsolved problem. About tbe middle of tbe last
century a tract was published on tbis subject in
Italy^ but tbis was probably not even tbe first intimation
of its fungoid character. Before such conclusion
had been arrived at, men may have struggled
in tbe dark, through many generations, to account
for a phenomenon with which they were doubtless
familiar in its effects. In 1805, Sir Joseph Banks
published his '^ Short Account," illustrated by engravings
from the inimitable drawings of Bauer,
whereby many in this country learnt, for the first
time, the true nature of mildew.
With a view to the clearer understanding of these
let us
parasites in the phases of their development,
select one, and we cannot do better than adhere to
that of the wheat and other graminaceous plants.
A fine day in May or June dawns upon our preparations
for a stroll, far enough into the country to find
a wheat-field. Even now, with the area of the
metropolis constantly widening, and banishing
farmers and wheat fields farther and farther from
the sound of Bow-bells, a corn field
may be reached
by a good stiff walk from Charing-Cross, or a sixpenny
ride at the most, in nearly any
direction.
Having reached the field, it may be premised that a
walk into it of less than twenty yards will be sure
to reward you with the fungus we are in quest
of.